NBI Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Nestor Mantaring said that they are willing to offer their help to the PCSO but revealed that they have not yet received such a request.

"We’re willing to accommodate such a request, although we could only offer our assistance for background and record checks," Mantaring said.

The extensive records which the NBI has for its clearance service, he said, would serve as a good tool to determine which companies or stockholders would qualify to handle a franchise of STL.

He admitted though that they could only offer assistance for services which are readily available to the bureau.

Mantaring said that background check on certain individuals which might require legwork from their agents would still have to be discussed.

The pilot testing of the STL in several cities was criticized as local officials opposed the implementation of the government-run lottery, which is said to be the solution to illegal gambling.